Quarantine Stories
Earlier, I had a moment of panic. With all that has being going on with this pandemic, it had slipped my mind to check on my older Jewish friend and colleague. She lives alone and although a New Yorker for many years, like me, she doesn’t have family in the city.
My friend and I developed an unlikely friendship over the last few years. We come from different backgrounds, have different faiths and many other differences yet, at the same time share many similarities. She likes visits to the museums, so do I. She happens to live near Lincoln Center and enjoys her neighborhood and community. I love being on the campus and experience all that it offers within the Arts.
It’s been nearly a month since quarantine and this morning, my friend popped into my head. Oh no! I haven’t checked on my friend. Immediately, I reached out and thankfully, she is fine and as always, in her own way, had a few funny stories to tell.
She also responded…
You celebrate Easter correct? Well, Happy Easter! I celebrate Passover but, wasn’t able to celebrate as usual. I’m paraphrasing. Even, in uncertain times, she had a kind word and this, I suppose, is why we are friends. We acknowledge one another, try to relate and understand one another, differences and all. I reminded her that if she needed me, as her friend, I am here. In her usual polite and crisp manner, she simply replied, “Thank you”.
This pandemic has taken much from us all, I recognize lives loss. My heart goes out to my sisters and my brothers who have lost Mothers, Aunties and Uncles. My prayers are ever with. And yet, I’ve noticed that we have gained a few things as well. An enriched caring, concern and love for one another has been quietly revitalized.
And for that , I mourn our losses and ever grateful for our gains.
~ Stacey Mack
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